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This study aims to investigate the effects of smart tourism technology experience (STTE) on tourist satisfaction and happiness in Bordeaux, with a focus on understanding the mediating role of self-gratification. By examining these relationships, the study seeks to provide insights into how smart tourism technologies can enhance tourist experiences.

The study uses partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data collected from 380 tourists who visited Bordeaux. The measurement model assesses reliability and validity, while the structural model evaluates the proposed hypotheses and the mediation effects of self-gratification.

The results confirm that STTE positively impacts tourist satisfaction, with accessibility, informativeness and personalization significantly enhancing tourist satisfaction, while interactivity does not. Tourist satisfaction, in turn, positively affects tourist happiness. Furthermore, self-gratification partially mediates the relationship between tourist satisfaction and happiness, highlighting its importance in the smart tourism context.

This research extends the understanding of STTE by demonstrating its effects on tourist satisfaction and happiness. It introduces the mediating role of self-gratification, providing a novel perspective on how personalized smart tourism experiences contribute to overall tourist happiness.

This paper aims to answer questions pertinent to whether or not services provided by smart hotels are really what customers are looking for, as well as to ascertain what are some unintended experiences guests may encounter. In essence, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first in the field to acknowledge the paradox of smart service.

This inquiry adopts a qualitative approach with data-driven from online customer reviews and semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis was undertaken to interpret review comments.

Results point to a new phenomenon, which is coined as the smartness paradox. In particular, customers on one hand enjoy an array of smart-infused experiences that jointly offer patrons a sense of a futuristic lifestyle. On the other hand, smart devices superimpose a number of hindrances that bring guests dismay and annoyance.

This investigation brings smart service failure to the fore to highlight several key failure themes that could jeopardize the entire operation with debased customers’ satisfaction and loyalty inclination.

The smartness-paradox framework used in the present inquiry entails both approach and avoidance consequences customers enact depending on their smart experiences.

In the tourism sector, fully unmanned and partially unmanned hotel models serving customer segments from different income groups are increasing. Analyzing examples of unmanned hotels worldwide and their practices is crucial for understanding the automation systems used, the smart technologies employed, and the opportunities and challenges these hotels present, as well as for gaining insights into their impacts on the tourism sector.

The data used in this research were obtained from secondary sources. One of the qualitative research methods, document analysis, was used for the analysis of these sources. The content analysis technique was used in the analysis of the data. A seven-stage systematic review process was used in the research. This seven-stage review process consists of the following stages: (1) determining the review objectives and formulating research questions; (2) identifying search terms and selection criteria; (3) conducting a search for unmanned hotel applications before clarifying exclusion and inclusion criteria; (4) evaluating the quality and relevance of unmanned hotel applications; (5) identifying content analysis review variables; (6) conducting content analysis; and (7) analyzing and reporting the findings.

In traditional hotel management, the innovations brought by digitalization and automation are transforming the guest experience and increasing operational efficiency. Unmanned smart hotels are equipped with various technological solutions, such as voice-controlled AI assistants, smart room control systems, AI-based concierge services, and robotic room service. These hotels are redefining roles and expectations within traditional hotel management, while simultaneously reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. Analyses indicate that unmanned smart hotels particularly appeal to specific customer segments, such as business travelers, and are becoming increasingly popular. These hotels offer advantages such as allowing guests to perform self-check-in, control their rooms, and receive necessary services via robots.

The universe of the research consists of all currently operating unmanned hotels worldwide. As a result of the research, 18 examples of unmanned smart hotels were identified. Hotels within the same chain with identical applications and processes were considered as a single example. Therefore, the research sample consists of 18 hotels.

By integrating these technological advancements, the hospitality and tourism industries can mitigate the impact of staff shortages, maintain high service standards, and improve operational efficiency. This approach allows businesses to adapt to changing workforce dynamics while continuing to deliver exceptional guest experiences. In conclusion, the significance and impact of unmanned smart hotels in the travel industry are growing. These hotels have the potential to shape the role of technology in the hospitality sector and influence future trends. Therefore, the adoption and development of unmanned smart hotels are important considerations for hotel operators and industry experts.

The main objective of this research is to unravel and analyze emergent technologies that are altering and improving the event industry. The study seeks to recognize the most vital technological advancement, uses and effects on event preparation, management and participant experience.

In this study, a narrative literature review method was used to examine emerging technologies in event management.

The research reveals that the emerging technologies examined in the articles affect and transform the event industry differently. Many of these technologies are currently being used in the event industry and are likely to be utilized in the coming years.

Numerous studies in the literature are related to the research field. However, as technology evolves rapidly, it is necessary to repeat studies at regular intervals. This article contributes to the literature by tracking new technological developments in the event industry.

The study aims to review how the use of technology enhances the authentic tourist experience. Technology and digitalization have enhanced tourist experiences. However, critiques comment on its ability to over-commercialize activity and lack of authenticity. Thus, there is a need to synthesize knowledge of technology usage to increase authentic tourist experience.

The study carries out a bibliometric review of the studies focusing on the use of technology in enhancing tourist experiences. Two hundred journal articles, published between 1997 and 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database to carry out descriptive and network analysis using the Gephi, VOSviewer and Science of Science (Sci2) software. The components of authentic tourism experience are identified from the literature through a content analysis.

The findings of the study are broadly classified into two: first, the most frequently used keywords in the study include tourist experience and satisfaction, co-creation, virtual reality, smart tourism, technology, authenticity and heritage tourism. Second, the five major themes studied in the topic include virtual reality and tourist experience; media, tourist experience and encounters; technology, smart tourism and tourist experience; digital transformation, social media and tourist experience; and virtual reality and tourist experience which are still relevant in the literature because of the presence of study gaps.

The findings are used to develop a conceptual framework for the role of technology in enhancing authenticity in tourism typologies where authenticity is critical.

The development of ‘smart destinations’ has fundamentally altered the travel and tourism sector by making trips more individualised and enhancing overall operational effectiveness. Using (AI) technology in the creation of smart destinations has provided the tourism industry with the opportunity to reimagine and redevelop tourism in a way that is both environmentally responsible and technologically advanced. This chapter investigates the use of AI and smart destinations in China and Hong Kong with the goals of enhancing tourist experiences, boosting environmental sustainability, and propelling economic expansion. AI and smart destinations have greatly impacted China and Hong Kong tourism. AI has improved tourism, customer service, and trip recommendations while intelligent destinations reduce carbon emissions and promote ecotourism to sustain tourism. AI and intelligent locations boost visitor satisfaction and economic growth. As the tourism industry faces future challenges, AI technology and smart destinations will be crucial to creatively and sustainably rebuild tourism. Smart locations and AI have transformed tourism by offering customised, efficient, and environmentally responsible travel experiences.

This study explores tourist loyalty as a key for marketing Muslim destinations by integrating experience quality, innovation, smart technology and environmental concerns as determinants.

A quantitative research approach was applied by gathering data from 442 inbound Muslim tourists who visited various tourist destinations in Indonesia. PLS-SEM was utilized to examine the hypothesized association between the construct variables.

The data analysis reveals that the inclusion of smart technology and environmental concerns strengthens the innovation-quality-loyalty model. Specifically, this study highlights that smart tourism technology, and environmental concerns are essential to drive the quality of destination innovation and tourist holistic experience, which subsequently impact tourist loyalty.

This study provides hints to the marketing managers of Muslim tourist destinations to make their destination sustainable by creating loyalty among their Muslim visitors. In order to achieve this target, Muslim destinations are suggested to utilize smart technology and create environmentally friendly destinations to push innovation.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first examination of the amalgamating innovation-quality-loyalty model with smart tourism technology and environmental concerns in the context of halal tourism.

The usage of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants facilitates seamless communication, offering instant responses to inquiries and enhancing customer satisfaction. In Japan, the hospitality industry is at the forefront of this AI-driven transformation and through collaborations with technology companies, hotels are deploying AI-powered concierge services, smart room automation, and language translation systems to cater to diverse guest needs. The integration of AI in Japan's tourism sector not only enhances operational efficiency but also showcases the country's commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences. As Japan embraces AI in its hospitality industry, it navigates the delicate balance between leveraging technology and preserving human interaction and by combining the efficiency and accuracy of AI with the warmth and personal touch of human hospitality, Japan aims to redefine the future of tourism. Moreover, AI streamlines operations by automating repetitive tasks, optimising resource allocation, and improving efficiency in areas such as reservation management, inventory control, and demand forecasting. However, along with these benefits, there are significant challenges to consider. Privacy concerns arise as AI systems collect and process personal data, necessitating robust security measures to protect sensitive information. Ethical considerations must also be addressed, as the use of AI raises questions about transparency, bias, and accountability. Furthermore, while AI enhances efficiency, there is a concern about losing the human touch that has long been a hallmark of the hospitality industry. Balancing the benefits of AI with maintaining personalised and authentic guest experiences becomes a crucial challenge.

This study aims to provide nuanced insights into the effectiveness of digital outdoor advertising in redefining urban tourism appeal. Amidst a transformative era for urban tourism and city branding strategies, this study evaluates Tecoration’s influence on city branding and tourism promotion frameworks. Using the “Wave” digital outdoor advertising campaign in Seoul as a focal point, this analysis explores how such innovative marketing efforts reshape potential tourists’ perceptions and intentions toward visiting Seoul.

The study uses a bifurcated methodological framework. The initial phase undertakes a granular topical analysis, decoding keyword patterns from YouTube video commentaries, offering an unmediated insight into viewer sentiment. This is juxtaposed with a structural equation modeling technique in the subsequent phase, which serves to validate and triangulate the findings of the primary analysis.

The study reveals that viewer reactions, imbued with a sense of surprise attributable to both the content’s novelty and the technological innovation, exhibit a strong correlation with increased media engagement. This enhanced engagement significantly influences the viewers’ overall perception of the city, culminating in a marked increase in their intentions to visit Seoul.

The findings have transformative implications for city branding strategies, accentuating the potential of digital outdoor mediums. The study advocates for a paradigm shift that underscores the indispensability of Tecoration in elevating urban brand imagery and catalyzing the broader objectives of smart city metamorphosis, urban tourism rejuvenation and commercial growth trajectories.

The results of this research highlight the transformative potential of digital outdoor media in city branding. The findings suggest a shift in strategy, emphasizing the critical role of Tecoration in enhancing urban brand imagery, driving smart city development, revitalizing urban tourism and fostering commercial growth. This study underscores the strategic importance of integrating Tecoration into the urban branding framework, showcasing its vital contribution to the growth and dynamism of modern cities.

The findings of this study highlight the social implications of integrating Tecoration media in urban environments. By enhancing city branding and tourism through innovative digital signage, cities can foster a more vibrant and attractive urban atmosphere, promoting community pride and engagement. Additionally, the increased visitor traffic can boost local economies and support cultural exchange, contributing to the overall social and economic well-being of urban areas. Strategic use of digital outdoor advertising can also bridge the gap between technological advancements and public spaces, creating more interactive and inclusive urban experiences for residents and tourists alike.

This study embraces a viewer-centric perspective, delving into the relatively uncharted realms of surprise and media engagement within the digital consumption landscape. By adopting this innovative angle, the research significantly deepens the comprehension of viewer experiences and broadens the academic boundaries concerning city branding and media effect frameworks in management literature.